Book Review: Traitor (The Change) by J. M. Kearns
When I first stumbled across the Change series, I was drawn in by its intriguing blend of dystopia, mutant powers, and rich character arcs. J. M. Kearns has a unique gift for crafting worlds that feel both thrilling and eerily plausible. As the final installment, Traitor, landed on my desk like a long-awaited letter, I felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Would it provide the closure I craved, or would it leave me with lingering questions? Spoiler alert: Kearns knocked it out of the park!
Set in the beleaguered town of Las Anclas, Traitor dives right into the chaos brought about by the sinister Voske. His rule transforms this once-vibrant community into a nightmarish version of itself, filled with intrigue and despair. The lottery of "Change or die" adds an insidious level of desperation, and Kearns expertly weaves this terrifying backdrop into the lives of her characters—Paco, Becky, Ross, Mia, and Felicite. Each one grapples with fear, hope, and the complex web of loyalty and betrayal.
What struck me most was the way Kearns delves into the nuances of human relationships amidst chaos. The tension between Paco and Voske is palpably charged; you can feel Paco’s struggle to maintain his individuality against Voske’s oppressive control. As they engage in a nerve-wracking game of cat and mouse, readers are forced to confront what it means to resist tyranny while navigating personal loyalties. I found myself rooting for Paco and Becky, feeling their fear and determination as they plotted to reclaim their town.
Kearns’s writing style feels both raw and poetic. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter leaving me wanting more, and the vivid imagery—especially during moments of peril—had me on the edge of my seat. Kearns does an extraordinary job of creating tension that grips your heart and doesn’t let go. I can’t forget the gripping imagery that recalls the horror of the crystal trees mentioned in earlier books, which serves as a haunting reminder of the series’ overarching themes of identity and transformation.
One moment that stood out was Felicite’s internal struggle, as she faces the consequences of a choice that forces her to confront her deepest fears. It’s moments like these that elevate Traitor beyond mere entertainment into a thoughtful exploration of sacrifice and agency. And as one reviewer aptly put it, Kearns manages to tackle complex social themes without losing the heart of the narrative, making it both accessible and impactful.
If you’re looking for a gripping conclusion to a series that blends action with thoughtful character development, I wholeheartedly recommend Traitor. It’s a phenomenal read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted dystopian tale filled with depth and complexity. This book makes you ponder the costs of societal divisions and the resilience of hope, providing a satisfying yet thought-provoking ending.
All in all, Traitor left me reflecting on the fragility of community and the strength of individual wills in the face of tyranny. Thank you, J. M. Kearns, for a conclusion that resonates long after the last page has turned!
You can find Traitor (The Change) here >>